Perspective on how IPPT policy changes affect the motivation of NSmen doing IPPT using self-determination theory

Author

Ng, Jun Wei

Date of Issue

2017

School

National Institute of Education

Abstract

NSmen makes up for more than 80% of Singapore national defence, and thus, it is imperative that they remain physically fit to defend the country. However, like any ordinary citizens, NSmen have their work and family commitments with physical fitness often the least of their priority. To tackle this problem, SAF has over the years introduced numerous IPPT policies to motivate NSmen to do well in IPPT. While some policies are extrinsic in nature, others are directed to intrinsically motivate and hence, changes in IPPT policy can affect the motivation of NSmen doing IPPT very differently. The purpose of this study is to identify the changes in IPPT policies since its inception in 1979 and offer a perspective on how these changes can affect the motivation of NSmen in doing IPPT using Self-determination theory. Online archival platforms were used to retrieve IPPT related electronic newspaper articles from The Straits Times from 1979 to 2016. Of the 323 newspaper articles retrieved, 74 were used to identify the changes in IPPT policy. The development of IPPT policies can be classified into four phases: (1) Establishing and making changes to IPPT, (2) Improving fitness levels of pre-enlistees and NSmen, (3) Increasing autonomy and convenience for taking IPPT and (4) Improving fitness levels (emerging phase) Based on SDT, extrinsic forms of motivation such as IPPT monetary incentives may not be effective in the long run, but most of the other policy changes were directed at fulfilling the three fundamental human needs for competency, autonomy and relatedness which enhances intrinsic motivation.
Keywords: IPPT, Self-determination theory, motivation